ESU Formal Verse Contest 2025 Shortlist & Reader's Choice Award

The shortlisted poems in the ESU Formal Verse Contest 2025 are as follows (in alphabetical order by author last name)

"Known, Not Yet Known" by Maura Harrison (USA)

"Pergola Dreaming on Australia Day" by Ivan Head (NSW)

"John Hallett's Cove" by Konstantin Kanelleas (SA)

"Tumut" by Kevin Klein (USA)

"Swimming Westernport Bay" by Tony Lintermans (VIC)

"The Philosopher" by Thomas McKendry (NSW)

"Amid Ancient Gums" by Christine Pickard (VIC)

"The Return of Burke and Wills" by Toby Ratcliffe (VIC)

"Belief" by Marybeth Rua-Larsen (USA)

"Beach" by Leon Trainor (NSW)

"The Storm 1896" by Ron Vernon (NSW)

"Settler" by Veronika Winkels (VIC)

"Abyss" by Jakub Ziguras (NSW)

Thank you to everyone who entered and congratulations to all shortlisted poets!

The Winner ($5,000), Runner-up ($1,000), Best Victorian entry ($1,000) and Reader's Choice Award ($1,000) will be announced by final judge Dr. Stephen McInerney on Saturday 28 February, 2026 at an Awards Ceremony at ESU House, Ascot Vale. The ESU President, Robert Furlan, will announce his President's Choice award ($1,000) at the same event. Click HERE for further information and to book.  

YOUR VOTE COUNTS! Open the pdf below, read the shortlisted poems, then cast your vote for the Reader's Choice Award below. The poem with the most votes will receive the $1,000 Reader's Choice Award. Please note that you can only vote once.
Votes must be cast by 11.59 pm on Saturday February 7, 2026.

PDF Document: 2025 Formal Verse Contest Shortlist-web.pdf